Five years ago, Microsoft released a brand new and revolutionary operating system that sought to end the days of Windows XP. With nearly half of the computers in the world running Windows 7, it’s pretty obvious that Microsoft fulfilled that plan.
If you are running on a Windows 7 machine, Microsoft announced yesterday that mainstream support for the operating system ended yesterday January 13, 2015. Mainstream support contains free online and phone Microsoft support for third party application crashes as well as adding new features to the operating system.
In March of 2013, Microsoft stated that Windows 7 would no longer be receiving any more service packs and the operating system was stable enough to continue without updates, and two further trouble-free years use with nearly all businesses running Windows 7 on their machines, confirms this.
Don’t panic if you’re still running on a Windows 7 machine, it won’t break today or tomorrow or the next day. Microsoft places a ten year support life on their software, with five years being mainstream and five years being extended.
Windows 7 will be placed into extended support until 1/4/2020, meaning users will receive security updates and nothing more, which is generally good enough for the basic user. “Patch Tuesday”, the second Tuesday of every month, will continue until the end of extended support. Businesses of course can always pay for software support on Windows 7.
The new Windows 8 and upcoming Windows 10 operating systems include a different look and feel, but are generally a good step in the right direction. With Windows 7 on the same path as Windows XP, we will still be seeing multiple machines running this five years old operating system for many more years to come.
© 2015 techsupportforum.com
5 Comments
There is absolutely no match to XP and 7. I have used both OS. My desktop has old hardware and i use XP on it. I don’t need the updates and etc. It is working perfect. I have 7 installed on laptop.
I installed 8.1 on laptop and tried using it normally. I kept it installed for several months but believe me despite trying hard to like it and using it as main OS, i never could like 8 or 8.1. There might be 101 reasons for not liking it but there is no reason for your preference. I don’t like complexities in OS, gestures and charms bar type of diversions. Let the OS be simple, sleek and elegant. I am a huge fan of 3rd party themes and i use them in combination of themes + icon packager + wallpapers. Though this is possible in 8.1 too but there is no replacement to aero of 7.
100% agree with Awaix Javaid. New OS systems are of course necessary for Microsoft’s bottom line-profit. So far I am not impressed by 8, 8.1. Too glitzy and finicky. Almost afraid to see the manifestation of Windows 10. BTW, where did ‘9’ go?…anyone see it somewhere?..if you do , it’s mother is looking for him… 🙂
The missing Windows 9 was caused as many programs and websites having code saying “If Windows_Version 9x”. That would make “Windows 9” run as Windows 95 or 98. It was easier just to name it as Windows 10.
I think that Windows 8.1 business edition is far way better than the 8. I only have experienced with the Windows business versions. Since I like new/newer technologies I like to experiment them, find the flaws, what’s causing the issue then troubleshoot and resolve. It is, what it is… Microsoft will continue releasing new products for us to “like, hate and buy”. 🙂
1.
Has anyone with a Windows 7 computer using the
Office Starter had to pay to continue using Microsoft Office?